The Knitting Fiend

Sometimes last September, I actually finished my second pie wedge shawl. See?

Those who have good memories may remember this started as a Barbara Shawl– but without the trim. Then, as I knit, I thought, “I want perfect symmetry”. I blogged about creating a symmetric pie wedge shawl, then paused while I decided whether or not I really wanted a new shape.

Finally I did knit the symmetric shape; suffering from knitting ADD, I didn’t report further!

To knit the symmetric shawl, the first knit two wedges Barbara Shawl with may stitch/row gauge. (My Barbara Shawl was going to require 4 wedges.) These wedges are short row triangles worked by knitting 1 extra stitch every row. After knitting two triangles, I began a third; but this time, I worked 2 extra stitches every row. When I reach the center, I reverse shaping. (I’ll be posting the calculator soon. That will permit people to come up with their own, going for their target lengths.)

After knitting the whole thing, I added a picot edge.

You’ll notice this shawl is very wide compared to its back length. You’ll also notice it is more than a semi-circle. I’ve worn it to the opera twice and to one Chicago Shakespeare performance, and I’ve concluded I like the shape because when I sit, the back just reaches the seat yet I can drape the front over my legs. It also doesn’t ride up my neck funny, because the curved edge sort of “wraps around” nicely. So, I think it’s a success.

Still, I need to take a photo wearing this. You will see the front hangs lower than the back, which is fine with me– but as with all garments, other people may like other shapes. So, my next shawl shape will be be similar but slightly different one for my niece. For her shawl, I’ll work each wedge with short rows — but varying 2 stitches per wedge right from the start. It will also be sort of wide compared to the depth– but not quite as wide.

(Oh, and for those wondering, I’m also looking for a pretty hand dyed yarn in a blue/green color way.)

Anyway: The calculator for this shawl is coming soon. (If I don’t get ADD, it will be here by Friday.)

Oh, are any of you wondering why the photo of the shawl seems a bit cropped at the edges? Well, I had to put the step ladder on the coffee table to take the photo. I couldn’t get the camera any further away. (Well, I guess I could try putting the shawl on the stairs? )